Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe because it brings the cozy flavors of a classic apple pie into a fun, handheld treat. There’s something truly magical about biting into a moist cupcake packed with tender apple filling, topped with that dreamy cinnamon cream cheese frosting. It’s the perfect way to enjoy those autumn vibes any time of year—whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just need a sweet pick-me-up on a chilly afternoon.

When I first tried this recipe, I was looking for a way to combine my love for cupcakes and apple pie without the fuss of rolling out pie crusts. You’ll find that these cupcakes bake up beautifully tender, and the cinnamon cream cheese frosting adds just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make, which means you can whip them up anytime you want to impress with minimal effort.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for a few simple but key ingredients that work beautifully together to create those perfect apple pie cupcakes. Picking good-quality apples and room-temperature dairy will really make a difference in your final texture and flavor!

• Tart Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, which hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tang in the filling.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness to the apple filling.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple filling so it’s not too runny.
• Ground Cinnamon: A must for that warm, comforting spice that defines apple pie flavors.
• Water: Used to gently cook the apples down into a compote.
• Cake Flour: Gives the cupcakes a tender crumb without toughness.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cupcakes rise nicely.
• Salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter: Softened for creaming, it adds richness and moisture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cupcake batter.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely aroma and depth of flavor.
• Milk (Dairy or Non-Dairy): Keeps the batter moist and tender.
• Cream Cheese: For the tangy, creamy base of the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe, and it’s super easy to tweak depending on your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own and don’t hesitate to try seasonal twists or swaps.

• Gluten-Free Version: I once swapped the cake flour for a gluten-free flour blend with great results—just make sure to include a bit of xanthan gum for structure.
• Vegan Adaptation: Using dairy-free butter and cream cheese, along with flax eggs, makes this recipe vegan-friendly while still keeping it tasty.
• Maple Spice Variation: Sometimes, I add a bit of maple syrup in the frosting for a richer, autumnal flavor.
• Additional Nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top add a lovely crunch and nutty contrast I highly recommend.

How to Make Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Make the Apple Filling

First up, the apple filling! Stir diced tart apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and water together in a small pot. Cover and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Then, uncover and cook, stirring frequently, until the apples soften and the liquid thickens into a compote. If you notice it drying out or starting to stick, just add a splash more water and let it cook off again. Once it’s thick and tender, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool completely. This step is key because it ensures the filling won’t make the cupcakes soggy.

Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 12-hole cupcake pan with parchment liners. In one bowl, whisk together you flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt—it’s your dry mix. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and creamy. Gradually add sugar and keep beating until fluffy. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each one, finishing with the vanilla extract. This creaming process is what makes the cupcakes tender and gives them great rise.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Now, sift half of your dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir on low speed just until it’s barely combined. Add half the milk next, combining gently. Repeat adding the rest of the dry ingredients, then the remaining milk, mixing only until smooth. Overmixing can make cupcakes tough, so be gentle here! Divide the batter evenly into the cupcake liners, about two-thirds full. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat softened butter until creamy, then add cream cheese, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Keep beating on low speed until the frosting is silky smooth and thick enough to pipe. I find chilling it briefly helps the frosting hold its shape perfectly when decorating.

Step 5: Assemble Your Cupcakes

Use a small melon baller or a knife to hollow out the center of each cooled cupcake, about halfway deep. Spoon in a generous amount of the cooled apple filling into each hole and top it with a little more apple filling spread evenly but keep the edges clean for that neat look. Using a piping bag fitted with a small ribbon tip, pipe two crisscross lines of frosting over the apple topping, then switch to an open star tip to pipe a pretty border around the edges. Honestly, my family goes crazy for both the looks and the taste!

How to Serve Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon or a little crushed toasted pecans on top of the frosting to add a bit of texture and visual appeal. Fresh apple slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar also work wonders when you’re serving these at a party or brunch.

Side Dishes

These cupcakes pair beautifully with a cup of hot apple cider or a rich cup of coffee. For brunches, I serve them alongside creamy oatmeal or vanilla yogurt with granola to balance sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like arranging these cupcakes on a rustic wooden tray with small bunches of cinnamon sticks and fresh apples around them. You could also package them in decorative boxes with twine ties for gift-giving or bake them in colorful liners to match any party theme.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cupcakes store best in an airtight container in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting and apple filling. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 days, though I usually eat them faster—they’re hard to resist!

Freezing

I freeze these cupcakes without frosting for best texture. After baking and cooling, I wrap each cupcake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.

Reheating

If you want a warm treat, pop an unfrosted cupcake in the microwave for about 15 seconds until just warmed through, then add fresh frosting. For frosted cupcakes, I recommend enjoying them cold or at room temperature to keep the frosting intact.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. I love how it brings the nostalgic flavors of apple pie to a whole new level of convenience and fun. If you give it a try, I’m confident you’ll enjoy every bite — whether it’s a chilly fall afternoon or just a moment when you need a little sweetness and warmth. Plus, sharing these with friends and family always brings smiles, and that’s the best reward of all.

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